Nordic Odyssey Capitals, Castles, and Culture - 7 Days

Welcome to Copenhagen as you begin your tour with us. We will arrange your transfer to the hotel upon your arrival. Once checked in, you will have some free time to explore or relax. In the afternoon, you can find information regarding the commencement of your tour by the notice boards at the hotel reception. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic city tour of Copenhagen, guided by a local expert. Copenhagen, renowned for its excellent quality of life and dedication to sustainability, is also rich in culture. Our tour will include viewing The Little Mermaid statue, a symbol of the city, and a stroll through Nyhavn harbour, famous for its colourful historic facades. We will also admire the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, the royal family's residence, and take in the lively atmosphere of Town Hall Square. As we pass by the Tivoli Gardens area, you will get a sense of Copenhagen's vibrant charm. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, perhaps delving deeper into the city's offerings at your leisure.

We begin our day by departing from Copenhagen and heading towards Elsinore, known as the city of Hamlet, where Kronborg Castle stands majestically. Following this, we take a brief, 20-minute ferry ride to Sweden. As we travel through this stunning landscape, you'll be greeted by expansive lakes and verdant forests until we arrive in Jönköping, a modern yet quaint city beside a large lake. Here, you'll have some time to explore and enjoy your lunch.

Continuing our journey, we reach Vadstena, a charming lakeside town celebrated for its historic houses and a significant 14th-century castle that once served as a monastery. Our destination for the evening is Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. This striking city, beautifully set within an archipelago in the Baltic Sea, is interlinked by a network of bridges and ferries. Known for its rich history, striking architecture, and seamless blend of past and present, Stockholm offers a captivating experience as the sun sets.

Today, we'll embark on an engaging panoramic tour of Stockholm, a city charmingly spread across 14 interconnected islands. Our exploration leads us to Gamla Stan, famously known as "the city between bridges." This vibrant old quarter is adorned with notable landmarks, including the Nobel Prize Museum nestled beside Stortorget, which honours Nobel laureates. We’ll also visit the impressive Cathedral and the Royal Palace. When possible, we'll take in the stunning vistas from the Fjällgatan viewpoint, offering a breathtaking perspective of the city. Following our guided tour, you'll have leisure time to discover more of Stockholm at your own pace. We highly recommend exploring the city’s diverse array of museums and picturesque parks. Alternatively, you have the option to visit the City Hall and the renowned Vasa Museum.

Spend your day enjoying the vibrant city of Stockholm at your own pace. Explore its rich array of cultural sites, scenic parks, and charming streets, or indulge in a leisurely fika at one of the local cafés. As evening approaches, we'll gather to board a modern ferry for an overnight crossing to Finland. Relax in your double en-suite cabin as you set sail, ready to embark on another chapter of your journey.

Arriving in Finland, we suggest making your way to the ship’s deck at sunrise to witness the breathtaking scenery as we pass by the Åland Islands, a stunning archipelago of lush, green isles. Once we've disembarked from the ferry, you'll have the opportunity to explore Turku, renowned for its significant Swedish heritage. We then continue our adventure to Naantali, a beautifully quaint seaside town known for its charming wooden houses. Our journey proceeds to Helsinki, where we anticipate arriving around lunchtime. You will have the afternoon at your leisure to discover the capital's eclectic mix of historical and contemporary attractions, including its bustling market, impressive Russian-influenced architecture, and stunning churches.

Today, we will enjoy a boat trip to the Suomenlinna Islands, a group of six islands renowned for their impressive fortress. This historic site, once a defensive bastion at the entrance to Helsinki, is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have time to explore the islands at your leisure, wandering across pedestrian bridges that connect them. After this excursion, you can enjoy some free time in Helsinki. Our memorable journey concludes today, leaving you with cherished memories. Please ensure you check the timing of your flight in case you require an additional night's stay.